Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tuktoyaktuk, Canada is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the summer months when UV exposure can peak at levels harmful to unprotected skin. The Arctic climate here, classified as Dfc, brings unique challenges, with long daylight hours amplifying the need for UV awareness. At its highest, the UV Index can reach 5 around midday, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about daily UV levels, residents and visitors can take proactive measures to protect their skin, ensuring enjoyable and safe moments under the midnight sun.
The UV Index today showcases a gradual rise throughout the morning, reaching a peak of 5 between 13:00 and 17:00. Beginning at 1 in the early hours, the index steadily climbs to 3 by late morning, before hitting 4 at 12:00. Post-noon, it escalates quickly, signaling the day's strongest sun at peak times. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to decline, dropping back to 4 by 18:00 and settling at 3 by 19:00. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection during the midday hours, especially from 12:00 to 16:00 when the sun's intensity is at its highest. Enjoy the sun, but don’t forget your sunscreen!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, impacting the risk of sunburn and the need for sun protection. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (1), allowing for a safe outdoor experience with a burn time of 45 minutes. However, as spring approaches, the index gradually increases, reaching a moderate level of 3 in April and peaking at 5 from May to July, indicating higher risk months for sun exposure. In August, the UV Index slightly decreases to 4, leading into a return to lower indices of 2 in September and 1 in October and November, while December sees an index of 0, marking minimal risk. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety precautions, especially during the high-risk months of May to July, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuktoyaktuk | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Edmonton UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Calgary UVI | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Montreal UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Ottawa UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Toronto UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |